The variety of diseases continues to grow over time. This presents a challenge for the pharmaceutical industry to keep innovating and creating medicines to alleviate the ailments affecting the public.
The role of innovative medicines encompasses providing state-of-the-art treatment techniques, introducing cost-saving innovations, offering new treatment options for specific diseases, and developing technologies to discover cures for new illnesses.
"Innovative medicines are primarily aimed at treating chronic diseases associated with a high risk of mortality," stated Luthfi Mardiansyah, Chairman of the International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (IPMG).
The journey from innovation to the production of new medicines requires patent protection. Patents ensure that only the pharmaceutical company that researched and developed a specific drug is permitted to manufacture it.
However, prior to patenting, pharmaceutical companies invest substantial funds during the innovation process to test the drug's benefits. Clinical trials are conducted to verify dosage, efficacy, and safety before the drug is made available for public consumption.
It is certain that once a drug has been produced and patented, it is safe for use. In other words, obtaining approval from the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) guarantees the drug's quality regarding its chemical composition, benefits, and effectiveness in treating disease.
Prof. Dr. Hasbullah Thabrany, MPH, Dr.PH, Head of the Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies at the University of Indonesia, emphasized that since 2014, all patented medicines required by the National Health Insurance (JKN) system have been available on the Indonesian market.
Furthermore, JKN-enrolled patients have the right to take legal action against hospitals or doctors if they do not receive the medication they require and subsequently suffer adverse effects.
References:
-http://www.ipmg-online.com/index.php?modul=berita&cat=BMedia&textid=315684485423
-https://hellosehat.com/hidup-sehat/fakta-unik/apakah-obat-paten-pasti-ampuh/
